Index sheet and binding means therefor



April 22, 1930. L. c. REYNOLDS INDEX SHEET AND BINDING MEANS THEREFOR Filed llay 28, 1926 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 April 22, 1930. l.. c. REYNOLDS INDEX SHEET AND BINDING MEANS THEREFOR Filed llay 28, 1926 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 atroz s w11 April22, 1930. L.. c. REYNOLDS INDEX SHEET AND BINDING MEANS THEREFOR Filed Nay 28. 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Apr. 22, 1930 Areas PATENT; creme LYN'US CLYDE-REYNOLDS, OF SWFJEIZATER,` TENNESSEE INDEX SHEET AND BINDING MEANS THEREFO'R Application filed May 28, 1926. Serial No. 112,367.

lo folded back and'to be nested together for efficiently blinding the sheets together.

A still further object is the provision of a holder or binder'adapted to receive the Ynested folded portions of the sheets and means for l5 retaining said portions securely in. place.

It is'also'an object ofthe invention to provide an index of the character indicated which will enable the sheetsto be readily in sei-ted and removed.

With the foregoing and other objects in View, which Will be apparent as the'desc'ription proceeds, the invention yresides in the construction and arrangement of parts, as

hereinafter described and claimed, it being4 understood that changes can be made. within the scope of what is claimed, Without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The invention is illustrated in the accom-H panying drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a face view of one form of indexembodying the improvements, portions being broken away.

Furs 2, 3, 4 and 5 arev sectional details N taken on the lines 2 2, 3 3, 4 4 and 5 5, respectively, of Fig. 1 on an enlarged scale.

Fig. 6 isa fragmentary face view of an upper corner portion of the device showing the binding strip and sheets in position for the removal and insertion of sheets.

Fig.'Y 7 v is. a sectional view on the line 2 2 of.Fig. 1 with the parts in positon as seen in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a. section on the line 4 4 of Fig. 1 With the parts in the position as seen in Figs. 6 and 7.

Fig. 9. is a fragmentary face view of one of the sheets laid flat.

F ig. 10 is a face view showingthe folded portion of one sheet nested within the folded portion of'another sheet.

Fig. 11 is a view corresponding to Fig. 1 illustratinganother form of the device.

Figs. 12, 13 and 14 are enlarged sectional details on the respective lines 12 l2, 13 13 and 1& 14 of Fig. 11.

Fig.v 15`isl a detail view illust-rating a metal clip on an index sheet.

Fig. 16 is a face View illustratingV still another form of the invention, portions being broken away.

Fig. 17 is an enlargedisection on the line 17 17 of Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a section on the same section line showing the bindingl strip andslreets in position for the removal and insertion of sheets.

Fig. 19 is a fragmentary face view of one of the sheets laid iiatsh'owing amodification in the means for spacing the upper edges of the sheets apart.

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary vievt showingY two F sheets assembled.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 10, inclusive, there is provided a backing'QO of pressboard, wood, metal or other suitable material on or against which the index sheets 21 are placed. The

sheets 21 may be of any suitable size, and may be of thin paper or Aother' suitable Inaterial. These sheets, when assembled'in a pack, are in overlapping stepped relation,

with their upper edges spaced apart to expose the naines or other indicia on the sheets at their upper edges.

The sheets 21 have provision-s for binding them together. Thus, each sheet 21, as seen in Fig. 9, has an obliquefol'd" line 22 near the binding .edge (the left edge as shown), and the bindingedge portion 23 is bent or folded back upwardly. These folded portions ofthe sheets are nested together, thereby assembling the sheets, in an effective manner, andbvhav` ing the foldlines 22 arranged obliquely, the folded portions may benested ltogether with the upper and lower edges of the sheets parallel and the opposite (right hand) edgesin alineinent.

In order to regulate the spacing of the upper edges of the sheets, apiece or lug 24 of cardboard, Wood, metal or other suitable material is cemented or otherwise: securedon the face of each sheet at theY upper edge thereof and adjacent to the binding portion, and is preferably spaced sufficiently from the fold line 22 so that the portions 23 do not overlie the lugs 24, although, if desired, the lugs 24 may be located underneath the portions 23. The lugs 24 in bea-ring together or seating on one another will space the upper edges of the sheets apart accordingly.

The holder or binder includes a sheet-metal plate 25 overlapping the lower surface of the backing 20, and having the upturned portion 26 extending across the left-hand edge of the backing, and above the portion 26 the plate is formed with a channel 27 having an upper flange 29 overhanging the backing and providing a groove or receptacle to receive the folded binding-portions offthe sheets. The plate 25 extends vertically the length of the backing 20, but the channel 27 and flange 29 terminateshort of the upper and lower ends ofthe backing. The channel 27 has an outstanding` doubled portion 28 forming an inner groove.

' l/Vh'en a number of the sheets are assembled the folds or bends thereof assume a semicircular shape, as seen in Fig. 4, and the folded portions are adapted tofit snugly in the channel 27.

A binding strip or bar 30 of sheet metal or other `suitable material is provided for binding the sheets in the binding channel 27. Said'strip .30 has a longitudinal slot 31 through which the binding portions 23 of the sheets are inserted, and the portion of the strip at. one lside of the slot is disposed within the folded portion of the sheets, as seenin Fig. 4, while the portion at the opposite side of the slot projects beyond said folded portions of the sheets and enters the groove28 when the strip and sheets are moved home. The fold-line portions of the sheets 'are disposed obliquely in the slot 31, as indicated in Fig. 1, and as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, wherein the slot 31 Ais indicated in dotted lines.

The binding strip 30 is mounted for movement into and out of the binding channel with the sheets, and for this purpose the strip 30 has the projecting fingers and 33 at its upper and lower ends, respectively, adjacent to the left-hand edge of the strip. The ends of the plate 25 are bent upwardly across the ends of the backing 20, as at 34, and are then doubled, as at 35, to overlap the backing, to assist in securing the plate 25 to said backing. Above the .portions 35 the terminals of the plate 25 are formed with the transverse slotted guides 36 and at the lower and upper ends of the backing, respectively. The finger 33 projects into the slotted guide 36, while the finger 32 projects into the slotted guide 37 and said guide 37 has an outstanding doubled portion 38 forming an inner groove to receive the terminal 39 of the linger 32 which is twisted into a plane at right angles to the plane of the finger 32 and strip 30. rl`he fingers 32 and are disposed loosely in the slotted guides to permit the binding strip 30 to be slid transversely into and out of the channel, and, when removed from the channel, the binding strip may be swung transversely away from and toward the backing. This facilitates the loosening of the sheets for the removal and insertion of sheets. Thus, when the binding strip is removed from the channel, the strip may be swung upwardly to a position perpendicular to the backing, as seen in Figs. G, 7 and 8, and by shifting the strip 30' upwardly the terminal 39 Vof the finger may be moved into the groove 38, thereby holding the strip in this position while the sheets are removed and inserted.

lVith the binding strip 30 in the position shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 8, the portions 23 of the sheets are unfolded, thereby enabling the sheets to be withdrawn out of the slot 31, and inserted into said slot. In order to remove a sheet, the sheets are shifted vertically, thereby releasing the sheet to be re- K moved so that it may be readily pulled out. When a sheet is to be inserted, the sheets between which it is to be introduced, are shifted vertically so that the new sheet may be yreadily inserted, after which the sheets are moved together to bring the lugs 24 into contact. The fold lines enable the sheets to readily assume their position relatively to one anotherl and a new sheet inserted will assume its place when the fold line portion y.

thereof comes into registration with the fold line portions of the adjacent sheets'. With a little experience the sheets may be inserted and removed quickly and conveniently.

In order to hold the binding strip 30 within the channel, with the sheets and binder or holder assembled, the plate 25 is formed with spring tongues or catches 40 at the ends of the channel 27, and said catches have the caniportions 41 to snap across the right-hand edges of the strip 30, when said strip is moved with the sheets into the channel, thereby holding the parts in place. By springing the catches 40 upwardly by the fingers, the strip 30 is released so that the sheets and strip may f be withdrawn from the channel 27. In withdrawing the sheets and strip, this may be done by grasping the sheets between the thumb and fingers and pulling the sheets gently away from the channel, or, the strip 30 may be slid out of the channel, thereby moving the sheets with it. The ends of the strip 30 project from the ends of the channel 27 for the engagement of the catches 40.4

The backing 2O may have provisions on both sides thereof for receiving and binding the sheets, as illust-rated and described, the channel 27, binding strip 30 and other parts being duplicated en the opposite sidesof the backing', or two of the backings may be disand posed 'boekte beck. The devices-mty housed as seen in Fig. 2G, thereby supporting the insuitable filing cabinets-or racksandlanunb sheetsy with their upper edges in stepped uw ber of them may be grouped together by any rangement, and When'thesheetswre movedv'pof the well-known arrangements. wardly and downwardlyasheetmoyibe readi'ly Figs. 11, 12, 13 and 14 illustrate a inediti@ inserted or removed, permitting suchsheetlto 7o cation. The plate 2o is riveted or otherwise be 'shifted both vertically and transversely of secured on the l'yaelrifn-g 20, and has one edge the baokmgw. The tongues 24 have the adportion bent back upwardlyto form the chair vantage of requiring no additional thickness, nel 27 with the upper flange 29. The sheets seth-at the sheets may be stacked :more readily 21 have the fold lines 22 and lugs 24', the than the sheets 21 having the lugs 24. The 75 same as erbovedescbed, and the ends of the tongues 24a being disposed below the binding plate 25 have the slotted guides 36 receiv` strip 30* will beheld down in place and will ing the ends of the binding strip 30 which be prevented from being torn off, as woll as merely extends within the folded and nested being concealed from view. portions of the sheets te move the folded por- The binding strip 30* has an upturned or 8g tions of' the sheets into the channel 27" and outstanding flange 50 along its outer edge, hold them securely in said channel. The and is provided along its inner edge with a. plate 25 has spring tongues or catches 40 downwardly or backwardly bent flange 51 struck upwardly therefrom between the ends having the bent-back portions 52 and 53. of the flange 29 and the slotted guides '36', The portions 52 extend at right angles across 35 and said catches 40 have the portions 41 the inner edgeof the stri-p 30a, while the porto engage the strip 30 and holdit within the tion 53 is arranged at an acute angle to the channel. By depressing the catches 40', the portions 52. The portions 52 and y53 are losheets 21 and binding strip 30 may be withcated at the bend ofthe channel 2'7" "when the drawn or removed from the binding' channel, parts are assembled, as seen in Fig. 17 on in order that sheets may be removed and in- The plate 25 has the leaf-spring catches sertcd. The strip 30' is preferably resilient e0@ between the abutment portions 36a andthe in order that it may be sprung, if necessary, ends of the llange 29, andthe terminals of when removed from under the flange 29', the springsarebent downwardly or backduring the insertion or removal of sheets. wardly, as at 41a, and outwardly or forward- 95 Fig. l5 illustrates a metal clip 24a clinched lv, as at 54. When the binding strip 301 is over the upper edge of a sheet 21, instead of moved into the channel, as seen in Fig. 17, using a lug or piece cemented or pastedon the the portions 41 of the spring catches 40`e11- sheet. The clip 24# comprises a doubled gage over the flange 50 of the binding strip. piece, one wing of whichis thick and the other thereby holding the binding strip within the 300 wing thin, so that the thin Wing will occupy channel. By springing the catches 4&0# up little space on :the back of the sheet, while the wardly, the binding strip is released and forward thick wing'will provide a lug to seat may be withdrawn with the sheets from the on the edge of the next lower sheet. channel. The binding strip may tiren be Figs. 16 to 20, inclusive, illustrate a furswung upwardly or outwardlysway ilromthe "G3 ther variation, The plate 25 is secured on backing, as seen in wig. 18, and will be held the backing 20a, and has portions 34 at its in an oblique position, as seen in Fig. 18, with ends bent across the ends of the backing and the portion 53 resting 4against the plate 25a. under the backing to assist in fastening said The binding strip is held in this position by plate and backing together. The plate is the engagement of the terminalso'the catches im doubled transversely to form kthe channel 27* 40a in the groove Abet'vvfeen the binding stri-p having the upper overhanging flange 29, and 30al and portions :52, with' the portions 41 of the plate 25. has portions 36a bent upwardly the catches bearing on the portions 52 and to extend across the ends of the channel 27?, the portions 54 bearing against the binding with the ends of thelange 29 spaced slightly Strip 30a. In this osition of the binding 1li from said portions 36a. strip the binding i ge portions 23a ofthe The ends 0f the binding strip 30a abut the sheets are completely yor partially unfolded, portions 36, and said binding stri has a slot in order that additional sheets-may then/be 31a similar to the binding strip 3), for the inserted or sheets removed. Then, byswinginsertion of the sheets 21a through said slot. ing the binding strip 30"* toward the :29 The sheets 2l have tongues 24 formed by the binding strip and sheets may be moved V-sha ed slits in the sheets,.and said tongues into the channel, and the catches 40@ will extend) downwardly and are located near the Spring over the flange 50 to held the binding upper edges ofthe sheets. and vadjacent to the Strip in place. fold lines 22, preferably in a position to be Having thus described-the invention, what 325 disposed below the binding edge portions Q8 is claimed as new is when they'are folded. When assemblingthe 1. An index sheet to be bound in over sheets, the tongue 24 of each sheet extends lapping rel-ation withl other similar sheets, across the upperl edge of the next lower sheet having one edge portion folded beek on an and overlaps the foce of said lowerr sheet, oblique `line and havingy a portion 'beyond 139 the edge of said folded-back portion to contact with an adjacent sheet for arranging the sheets in stepped relation.

2. In an index of the character described, sheets arranged in overlapping stepped relation and havino` edge portions folded back on oblique lines and nested together, each sheet having a portion beyond the edge f its folded-back portion to contact with an adjacent sheet for arranging the sheets in steppe relation'.

3. An index of the character described comprising sheets in overlapping stepped relation having folded-back edge portions nested D together and adapted to be \1nfolded, and

binding means to receive said folded-back portions and including a releasable binding strip within said nested portions whereby when said binding strip is released said folded-back edge portions may be unfolded and individual sheets withdrawn and inserted.

4. An index device of the character described comprising binding means having a channel for receiving nested folded portions of overlapping sheets` a binding strip to be disposed within said nested folded portions and movable into said channel, and means limiting the movement of said strip away from said channel.

5. An index device of the character described comprising binding means having a channel for receiving nested folded portions of overlapping sheets, a binding strip to be disposed within said nested folded portions and movable into said channel, and means limiting the movement of said strip away from the channel and for holding said strip when moved into the channel.

6. An index device of the character described comprising binding means having a channel, overlapping sheets having neste folded back edge portions within said channel, and a binding strip within said nested s folded portions whereby when said strip is moved away from said channel said folded back edge portions may be unfolded and the individual sheets withdrawn and inserted.

7. An index device of the character described comprising binding means having a channel, overlapping sheets having nested folded portions within said channel, a binding strip within said nested folded portions, and means limiting the movement of said strip away from the channel and for holding said binding strip within the channel.

8. An index device of the character described comprising a backing, overlapping sheets in stepped relation on said backing and having nested folded portions, and binding means on the backing including a channel to receive said nested folded portions of the sheets and a binding strip to be disposed within said portions.

9. An index device of the character ded channel, overlapping scribed comprising binding means having a channel to receive the nested folded portions of sheets, and a binding strip having a slot for the passage of said portions of the sheets, said binding strip being movable into said channel with said portions and being adapted to be swung away from the sheets when removed from the channel for the insertion and removal of sheets.

10. An index device of the character described comprising a backing, binding means on the backing including a channel for receiving the nested folded portions of sheets. and a binding strip movable into and out of said channel and having a slot for the passage of said portions of the sheets, said binding strip, when removed from the channel, being arranged to swing away from the backing for the insertion and removal of sheets` 11. An index of the character described comprising a backing, binding means on the backing including a channel for receiving the nested folded portions of sheets, a binding strip movable into and out of said channel, and having a slot for the passage of said portions of the sheets, said binding strip, whenv removed from the channel, being arranged to swing away from said backing, and means for holding said binding strip within the channel, and in a position at an angle to the backing when removed from the channel and swung away from the backing.

12. An index device of the character de scribed comprising binding means having a channel, overlapping sheets having nested folded portions movable into said channel. and means for limiting the movement of said sheets when the nested folded portions are withdrawn from said channel.

13. An index device of scribed comprising binding means having a sheets having nested folded portions movable into said channel` means engaging said nested folded portions of the sheets to move into said channel therewith and movable out of the channel to assist in holding the sheets in place while individual sheets are withdrawn or inserted with said means from said channel.

14. An index device of the character described comprising a backing having a flange thereon providing a channel, overlapped sheets in stepped arrangement on said backing having nested folded portions at one e ge,

said nested folded portions being movable into said channel under said iiange and out of said channel from under the flange, said backing extending beyond said channel and flange to support the sheets, and means engaging in said nested folded portions and movable therewith into and out of said channel.

15. An index device of the character dethe character described comprising a backing having a flange thereon providing a Channel, overlapped sheets in stepped arrangement on said backing having nested folded portions at one edge, said nested folded portions being movable into said channel behind said flange and out of said channel from under the flange, said backing extending beyond said channel and flange to support the sheets, a strip engaging in said nested folded portions to be moved into and out of said channel therewith, and means for holding said strip when moved into the channel and for limiting the movement of the strip When moved out of the channel.

In testimony whereof I hereunto ax my signature.

LYNUS CLYDE REYNOLDS. 

